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Avast Antivirus Review

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Last Updated on July 26, 2024

Safety and security are essential when using any device connected to the internet. It takes literally one second for a virus to sweep in and steal your data, and it seems like there are more and more security features required to keep you and your technology safe. Antivirus programs can help protect your entire network of devices from online threats that have ninja-like skills in accessing your sensitive data. In this Avast antivirus review, we will take a deep dive into everything there is to know about this popular antivirus program to see if it’s worth the hype.

What is Avast Antivirus?

Avast is a cybersecurity software company based in Czech Republic with over 400 million users worldwide and growing. Avast provides antivirus software that protects your operating systems, files, and data from malicious software that could cause harm to your computer or network. Malicious software comes in many forms like viruses, malware, trojans, adware, spyware, ransomware, and more. Hackers use this software to steal user data, delete files and documents, and even add software to your device without your knowledge.

Approach shopping for a password manager like you would when you’re looking for the best VPNs, and consider Avast’s antivirus programs defend your devices against hackers and bugs to keep your data where it should be—safe and sound on your private network. One of the most popular plans is Avast Free Antivirus, which offers basic protection against well-known viruses, so you can live your best virus-free life. If you need more comprehensive security, Avast also offers paid versions with more advanced antivirus features to block all malware and known variants, plus anti-tracking protection, a VPN for total online privacy, in addition to some pretty nifty cleanup and tune-up tools.

Why use Avast Antivirus?

Using antivirus software is a non-negotiable in 2024. Without it, you may as well just start handing out your personal banking information and passwords to strangers on the street. The analogy sounds a bit dramatic but trust us when we say hackers have really upped their game in getting their hands on your private information. The good news is, Avast is working hard to stay one step ahead of cyber attacks using award-winning digital security and real-time intelligence. In fact, Avast prevents more than 66 million threats a day. The comprehensive range of products are loaded with impressive features to keep your personal and professional data safe, including removeable drive scans, email shield, wi-fi inspector, password manager, VPN bank-grade encryption, bloatware removal, and more.

Advantages and Drawbacks of Avast Antivirus

Pros

  • Free version available
  • User-friendly interface
  • High scores in independent lab testing

Cons

  • Some features are paid add-ons
  • Business plans can be pricey
  • Avast popups in the free version pushing you to purchase

How to use Avast Antivirus

Some antivirus software can be a little tricky to operate, but Avast offers a user-friendly interface that doesn’t require you to be a tech genius to use it. Simply download Avast and you’ve already taken the first step towards complete online freedom. Avast works in real time, running in the background to provide around-the-clock protection for your phones, computers, and tablets. You can also create custom scans, schedule scans, and access personalized security reports every 30 days to make sure the antivirus software is doing what it’s supposed to.

A closer look at Avast Antivirus and how we Reviewed it

The number one concern of iPassword is your security. It’s why they’re in business. This is done through several layers of encryption using the most current encryption standards available. This includes AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, SecretKey authentication, and an option to add another 2FA authentication key. The app is also the only one on the market to deploy WebCrypto, which is a next-gen up from WC3 and 10 times faster; this feature gives you direct access to the secure random number generator.

Features

Avast stands out when it comes to features. Both the free and paid versions offer layers of protection for up to 10 devices on the personal plan, and 1,000+ devices for business plans. Many other competitors don’t come close to offering the type of features Avast does, making Avast’s solutions all that much more tempting. However, it’s worth noting that some of the features require a separate download.

Not only does the free version offer complete malware detection in real-time, but it also blocks unsafe downloads, stop dangerous email attachments, and prevent intrusive web tracking. Is there more? You betcha. Avast Free Antivirus scans your wi-fi network for vulnerabilities and the password vault keeps your login information under lock and key.

Users who have purchased one of the paid plans receive the features mentioned above in addition to a webcam shield, data shredder, anti-spam, anti-phishing, advanced firewall protection, Avast secure browser, and more. This isn’t Avast’s first rodeo, which is why more than 430 million people choose Avast for antivirus protection.

Performance

Users who have purchased one of the paid plans receive the features mentioned above in addition to a webcam shield, data shredder, anti-spam, anti-phishing, advanced firewall protection, Avast secure browser, and more. This isn’t Avast’s first rodeo, which is why more than 430 million people choose Avast for antivirus Virus protection should secure your data without sacrificing performance. This is where Avast loses some points. Compared to other antivirus software programs, some users report that Avast can be a bit slower booting up and during the scanning process. However, that doesn’t mean it slows performance down for everyone. The beauty of having a free version means that you can try it out and see how compatible it is with your computer before investing in a paid plan.

Value

If you can’t tell, we are pretty jazzed up about the features. When you compare all that Avast has to offer to the average cost and raving Avast antivirus reviews, you get premium-level value that’s hard to beat.  

If you can’t tell, we are pretty jazzed up about the features. When you compare all that Avast has to offer to the average cost and raving Avast antivirus reviews, you get premium-level value that’s hard to beat.

Compatibility

Avast offers compatibility with almost every type of operating system including PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad. No matter if you’re securing a personal device or a corporate network, Avast offers compatible next-gen endpoint cloud-based security solutions.    

Avast Antivirus Package Comparison

Product DetailsStandardDeluxePremium
Annual PriceFree$39.99 - $49.99 / year$69.99 - $79.99 / year
Antivirus Protection
Ransomware Shield
Wifi Security Scan
Advanced Firewall
Data Shredder
Avast Cleanup & SecureLine VPN

Product Details

Product DetailsSpecs
Supported LanguagesAvast is available in 43 languages: English, Chinese, Dutch, Finnish, French, Greek, Japanese, Norwegian, Slovak, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, and more.
CompatibilityPC, Mac, Android, iOS
Phone Number1 (844) 340-9251
Max DevicesAll
Support Hours10 (personal), 1000+ (business)
Company DetailsFounded in 1988, headquarters in Prague, Czech Republic

FAQs

Q: Is Avast better than McAfee?

A: Avast and McAfee are both powerhouse options in the antivirus space both with millions of users globally. It’s hard to choose one over the other as they are so similar. However, Avast offers a few features that McAfee does not, including a password manager, ransomware protection, and automatic application updates.

Q: Does Avast sell your data?

A: Until last year, the answer to this question was yes. In the past, Avast and its sister company AVG were collecting browsing history and selling it to third parties for the purpose of analytics. After public outrage (and tanking stock prices) in 2020, Avast and AVG announced that they would no longer collect or sell users browsing history. The Czech Office for Personal Data Protection launched an investigation into the matter and although many companies collect and sell users data, people were weary over the fact that their antivirus software was doing so.

Q: Can I use Avast free for business?

A: Avast’s free antivirus protection is limited to one device and is prohibited from commercial use. Avast does offer different paid options for businesses looking to use their antivirus services.

Final Thoughts

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