Avast Antivirus a prominent player in the antivirus industry, is renowned for its exceptional overall defense against online threats. In addition to scanning your devices, it also scrutinizes your online network, safeguards your webcam, and blocks suspicious activities and downloads. Moreover, it offers a VPN service for secure browsing. However, Avast garnered attention in late 2019 and early 2020 when it came to light that they were collecting user data and sharing it with their analytics business called Jumpshot. Subsequently, Avast’s CEO Ondrej Vicek closed down this practice.
As part of our review, we have thoroughly examined Avast’s security measures to assist you in determining whether installing the software is worthwhile. Without giving away too much, we must mention that while Avast serves as a reliable tool for removing viruses and providing basic protection, we have tested superior antivirus products in terms of safeguarding against threats, ensuring privacy, and maintaining a reputable status. A prime example of such an antivirus program is TotalAV. 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 Features
| 🏅Overall Rank | #16 out of 74 antiviruses |
| 🔥 Firewall | ✅ |
| 🌐 VPN | ✅ |
| 🎁 Free Plan | ✅ |
| 💵 Pricing | INR210 / month |
| 💰 Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
| 💻 Operating Systems | Windows, Android, Mac, iOS |
Avast Antivirus pros & cons
Avast Antivirus package cost
Considering that Avast has a free version available, its pricing strategy is pretty reasonable. You can get all the basic security features for free, which is much more generous than many other free antivirus services.
Yet, the Avast One package is the optimal choice – with webcam, malicious website, and tracking protection, you’re secured from virtually all threats. Not to mention that you also get a VPN which is great for online anonymity and streaming.
It’s also worth noting that Avast uses regional price discrimination. The pricing given here applies to US users but might not apply elsewhere. For example, the prices are significantly higher in the UK.
| 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 is a reliable choice if you need basic protection for your personal computer or mobile device. It provides real-time protection and includes a firewall. On the other hand, the Premium Security plan offers additional safeguards against harmful websites, ransomware, and unauthorized access to your webcam. However, if you’re concerned about cost, Avast One is a more affordable option than Premium Security at just $29.99 per year. With the One package, you receive excellent value for your money. Not only does it provide security features, but it also includes a VPN service that can be used for both online protection and accessing different Netflix libraries.
Avast business pricing
- When it comes to business users, the pricing structure is slightly more intricate. There are numerous options available for selection, based on your specific requirements.
- Introducing the Small Office plan, available for purchase at $139.99 per year, which is ideally suited for small businesses and provides coverage for up to 10 devices.
- 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 a single user and is ideal for providing basic protection for businesses. It is highly recommended for users of Mac operating systems.
- In the meantime, each user is safeguarded by the Premium Business security plan, which includes a VPN and is priced at $46.99 per year for one device. Finally, the Ultimate subscription provides patch management and is priced at $56.99 per year for each user.
- If you are interested in subscribing to Avast’s comprehensive security services for MSSPs, you will need to contact them directly to discuss your specific security needs. Following this, the team will create a pricing package tailored to your requirements.
Avast for business features
Avast offers a variety of solutions for businesses, tailored to suit their size and requirements. If you need assistance in determining which plan is suitable for your business, here is an overview of Avast’s available options for businesses.
Avast’s Small Office plan features
Avast’s Small Office plan is perfect for small businesses, as the name suggests. With this plan, you have the freedom to tailor it according to your specific business requirements and ensure that you receive the utmost protection for up to 10 devices. The Small Office plan shares some similarities with Avast One in terms of its features. Both plans encompass ransomware, email, file, web, and webcam shields, a customizable firewall, and the Network Inspector. Here is a comprehensive list of features that are included in the Small Office plan:
- 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 different Business Security plans – 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 stands out from the rest as it offers unlimited VPN for every device and USB protection. On the other hand, the Ultimate plan provides additional features such as patch management, which automatically monitors your device and fixes any vulnerabilities. However, it’s important to note that macOS users do not have access to identity protection, unlimited VPN, USB protection, or patch management.
Company Background
Avast is a company that was established in 1988 in Prague, Czech Republic. It is publicly traded and its founders are Eduard Ku?era and Pavel Baudiš. The company has subsidiaries such as AVG technologies and HideMyAss! Currently, the company employs around 1700 individuals.
Awards & Prizes
Avast’s Windows security software has consistently earned accolades and acknowledgments. Notably, they have been awarded the prestigious PCMag Editor’s Choice for Best Free Anti-Malware and bestowed with an Advanced+ recognition by AV-Comparatives in the Real-World Protection test category. Additionally, Avast has been recognized as the top download by CNET.
Ease of Use & Performance
The installation process of Avast is quick and easy, and users are provided with a clear explanation of how the software handles nonpersonal data. Additionally, users have the option to opt out of sharing this data if they desire. The main window or dashboard of Avast is well-designed and user-friendly. When it comes to performance, Avast receives excellent ratings in tests conducted by AV-Comparatives. In most cases, the software has no significant impact on the user’s system. However, there are minor performance issues when installing or uninstalling applications, as well as some lag during the initial run of the antivirus after installation. Apart from these two minor concerns, Avast does not affect the performance of your system.
Customer Support
Avast provides a vast collection of knowledge base articles and frequently asked questions (FAQs). In addition, they have a forum where users can seek assistance. They do offer paid telephone support, and you can also request to be contacted via email. However, the process of obtaining help requires filling out a detailed form, which may be seen as inconvenient by some users. Overall, it may not be considered very user-friendly, in my opinion.
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Free Antivirus
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Premium Security, Single-Device
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Premium Security, Multi-Device
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Ultimate
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| Block viruses and other malware |
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| Scan for Wi-Fi security weaknesses |
✅
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| Secure your passwords |
✅
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| Avoid fake sites for safer shopping |
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| Safely run suspicious apps |
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| Lock out hackers with an advanced firewall |
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| Block annoying spam and phishing emails* |
✅
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| Get an extra layer of ransomware security |
✅
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| Stop webcam spying |
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| Permanently shred sensitive files |
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| Automatically update apps |
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| Install on all your devices: Advanced protection for up to 10 devices (PC, Mac, Android, and iOS) |
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| Includes Avast Cleanup Premium |
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| Includes Avast SecureLine VPN |
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| Includes Avast Passwords Premium |
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Live chat support
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Live chat support |
✅ (24/7 with paid only) |
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Phone support |
✅ (24/7 with paid only) |
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Email support |
✅ (24/7 with paid only) |
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Knowledge database |
✅ |
Avast provides a basic level of customer support, which includes a comprehensive collection of helpful FAQs to assist users in resolving their own problems. When seeking support on Avast’s website, you will be prompted with a series of questions before being directed to human assistance. 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, which is priced at $39.99 per year. This subscription grants you access to 24/7 phone support, live chat, email assistance, and remote access support. They guarantee resolution for any issue you may encounter.
The Bottom line
Despite having ceased such operations, Avast’s previous actions of selling user data have raised concerns about privacy. Nonetheless, it is an antivirus service that has been approved by independent laboratories and is capable of protecting users from various threats, including ransomware, network intruders, PUPs, and others. However, the antivirus market offers more reliable options that provide high levels of protection and have a strong reputation. Avast’s pricing plans, particularly for business subscriptions, are confusing and more expensive.
Additionally, although Avast has excellent malware detection rates, it tends to produce many false positives. When it comes to setting up the antivirus software, Avast takes longer compared to other products. Moreover, most of the advanced features are only available with the more expensive plans. In conclusion, setting aside Avast’s past data sharing scandal, it can be considered a decent antivirus. Nevertheless, there are superior security products available that not only meet your protection expectations but also maintain a clean reputation.