Avast Antivirus Review: A Comprehensive Guide to One of the Best Antivirus Software

If you are looking for a reliable and effective antivirus software, you might have heard of Avast antivirus. Avast is one of the most popular and trusted antivirus solutions in the market, with over 435 million users worldwide.

But what makes Avast stand out from the crowd? How does it protect your devices from malware, ransomware, phishing, and other online threats? And what are the features and benefits of using Avast?

What is Avast?

Avast is a Czech-based company that was founded in 1988. It offers a range of security products for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS as well as for businesses and schools.

Its main product is Avast Antivirus, which is a free software that provides basic protection against viruses, spyware, and other malware.

Avast also offers premium versions of its antivirus software, such as Avast Premium Security and Avast Ultimate, which include additional features such as firewall, VPN, password manager, webcam protection, and more.

Here is a features table for Avast Antivirus based on the link you provided:

Feature	Free Antivirus	Premium Security	Ultimate
Block viruses and other malware	✔️	✔️	✔️
Scan for Wi-Fi security weaknesses	✔️	✔️	✔️
Get an extra layer of ransomware security	❌	✔️	✔️
Keep hackers off your computer with advanced firewall	❌	✔️	✔️
Avoid fake websites for safer online shopping and banking	❌	✔️	✔️
Secure your personal photos and files from ransomware attacks	❌	✔️	✔️
Stop webcam spying for good	❌	✔️	✔️
Permanently shred sensitive files	❌	✔️	✔️
Update your apps against security gaps	❌	✔️	✔️
No ads	❌	✔️	✔️
Unlimited VPN	❌	❌	✔️
Cleanup Premium	❌	❌	✔️
Passwords Premium	❌	❌	✔️
Pricing	Free	$99.99*	$129.99*

Features of Avast antivirus

Avast offers a range of features to protect your devices from various threats, such as viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware, phishing, and more. Some of the features include:

• Cloud-based AI: Avast uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze millions of data points from its global network of users, and identify new and emerging threats in real time.
• Real-time protection: Avast scans your files, emails, downloads, and web pages in real-time to detect and block any malicious activity.
• Behavior Shield: Avast monitors your programs and applications for any suspicious behavior and stops them before they can harm your system.
• CyberCapture: Avast automatically sends unknown or suspicious files to its cloud servers for analysis, and blocks them if they are found to be harmful.
• Ransomware Shield: Avast prevents unauthorized access to your personal files and folders by encrypting them and requiring a password to unlock them.
• Webcam Shield: Avast prevents hackers from spying on you through your webcam by blocking any unauthorized access.
• Password Manager: Avast helps you create and store strong passwords for your online accounts and syncs them across your devices.
• Browser Cleanup: Avast removes unwanted toolbars, extensions, and ads from your browser to improve your browsing experience and security.
• Sandbox: Avast lets you run suspicious files and applications in a safe environment without affecting your system.
• Wi-Fi Inspector: Avast scans your network for any vulnerabilities and alerts you of any potential risks or intruders.
• Game Mode: Avast optimizes your system performance and blocks any notifications or interruptions while you are gaming or streaming.

Privacy

To ensure privacy of its customers is protected, Avast offers the following:

• SecureLine VPN to encrypt your connection to stay safe on public networks. Available for Windows, Apple, Android, and Iphone.
• AntiTrack (for Windows & Apple) to disguise your digital fingerprints to avoid personalized ads.
• Secure Browser to provide a secure and private browsing. If you wish to have full potential and fully encrypted online activity, then go for Secure Browser Pro.
• BreachGuard (for Windows & Apple devices) to protect your personal information from being exposed and sold.
• Browser extension (Windows & Apple) from Avast to ensure a private and secure browsing.

Security

Avast provides a free antivirus for Windows, Apple, Android and iOS devices. However, the free plan only provides a basic protection. To get the best out of Avast antivirus, then go for Avast Premium Security.

For more advanced features, then go for Ultimate plan—which provides the best security, privacy, and performance against all internet threats.

Performance

Avast antivirus is known for its lightweight and fast performance. It does not consume much system resources or slow down your device.

According to AV-Test, an independent testing organization, Avast scored 6 out of 6 in both protection and performance categories in its latest evaluation. AV-Test also found that Avast had a low impact on the system speed and did not cause any false positives.

Avast Cleanup Premium (available for Windows, Apple & Android), boosts your computer’s speed and performance.

Furthermore, DriverUpdate enables a Windows user to automatically update drivers with a single click.

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Usability

Avast has a user-friendly and intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and customize. You can access all the features and settings from the main dashboard or the sidebar menu.

You can also run quick or full scans with just one click. More so, Avast also provides helpful tips and tutorials to guide you through the installation and configuration process.

Avast antivirus pricing

Avast offers a free version that provides basic protection for your device. However, if you want more advanced features and benefits, you will need to upgrade to one of the paid plans. Avast has four paid plans: Premium Security (Single Device), Premium Security (Multi-Device), Ultimate, and Business. The prices vary depending on the number of devices and the duration of the subscription. Here is a breakdown of the pricing:

• Premium Security (Single Device): $39.99 per year for one device
• Premium Security (Multi-Device): $99.99 per year for 10 devices
• Ultimate: $129.99 per year 10 devices (includes SecureLine VPN, Cleanup Premium, and Passwords Premium)

Support

Avast offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email, chat, or forum. It also has a comprehensive knowledge base that answers common questions and provides troubleshooting tips.

System Requirements

Avast Security is compatible with the following operating systems:

• Windows 7 (SP1), 8, 8.1, 10 (Pro, Education, Enterprise, CB, CBB, LTSB)
• MacOS 10.9 (Mavericks) or later
• Windows Server (64-bit) 2019, 2016, 2012, 2008 R2 (latest SP)
• Microsoft Exchange Server (64-bit) 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010 (SP2)
• Microsoft SharePoint Services 3.0 and Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 or later

Your PC must have at least 500 MB of free disk space and an Internet connection for automatic updates.

What are the alternatives to Avast antivirus?

Avast antivirus is not the only antivirus software in the market. There are many other options that you can consider depending on your needs and preferences. Some of the alternatives to Avast are:

• Bitdefender
• Kaspersky
• Norton

Conclusion

Avast antivirus is a reliable and powerful antivirus software that offers a lot of features and benefits for both personal and business users. It has a high level of protection and performance, as well as a user-friendly interface.

However, some users may have doubts about Avast’s privacy practices after the data-selling scandal. Moreover, some users may find Avast’s pricing too expensive compared to other alternatives.

If you are looking for a free antivirus software that provides basic protection for your device, Avast may be a good option for you. However, if you are looking for more advanced features and benefits, or if you value your privacy more than anything else, you may want to look elsewhere.