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Avast vs. AVG: which is the king of antiviruses?


After AVG Antivirus was acquired by Avast in 2016, many were left wondering whether there was much sense in keeping these products separate. Especially considering how many issues AVG used to have in the past, and how much better of a product Avast Antivirus seemed to be.

There must be a reason why these products haven't been merged. And that's what I'm going to find out in this AVG vs Avast comparison. I will put these two antivirus solutions head-to-head and find out which one is better. This time it's going to be brother against brother.

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Avast vs. AVG

TOP Choice
TotalAVAVG AntiVirusAvast Antivirus
⭐ Rating:
4.9
4.1
4
🥇 Overall rank:#1 out of #26#13 out of #26#16 out of #26
🔥 Coupons:TotalAV coupon 80% OFFCybernews Antivirus CouponsAvast coupon 70% OFF
💵 Price:From $19.00/yearFrom $31.20/year, 1 PCFrom $29.99/year
✂️ Free version:YesYesYes
🖥️ Platforms:Windows, macOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, macOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS

Avast vs AVG security: which one is better for protection?

AvastAVG
AV-TestTop productTop product
AV-ComparativesAdvanced+Advanced+
SE LabsAAAAAA

Protection is the most important factor to consider in this Avast vs. AVG comparison. If your antivirus doesn't delete malware, you shouldn't be using it. In this sense, both services deliver the same level of protection.

According to AV-Test's reviews, both Avast and AVG perform equally well and consistently get maximum points on all platforms. Both services also received a Top product certificate.

AV-Comparatives rated both services as Advanced+ grade products. Both got an extremely low number of false positives, and have identical offline detection rates. Even SE Labs gave both services identical AAA scores. Overall, no independent malware lab ranked one higher than the other.

The big secret why these scores are so similar is the fact that they both share an owner, which could probably mean that they're relying on the same malware detection databases. Ultimately, you can expect identical results with either Avast or AVG if you want to remove malware.

However, it's worth mentioning, that while Avast excels in stopping malware, we think it's a bit concerning that Avast had privacy problems in the past and even got fined this year for tracking and selling user data.

Features overview

Both AVG and Avast are directly competing in all pricing brackets. They have free versions with the least amount of features and paid versions with more differences between them.

When we look at the complete features suite, we see that AVG antivirus has a slim edge over Avast. Payments protection and device lock are AVG's exclusives, and Avast doesn't have an answer for them. Overall, both services go beyond antivirus into the other cybersecurity departments. For example, you'll get a VPN and tune-up utilities if you go with Ultimate editions.

Security features

AvastAVG
Real-time protection
Secure folders
Wi-Fi security
Vulnerability scanner
Malicious link protection
Ransomware protection
Firewall
Webcam protection
Payments protection

The free version of AVG only provides antivirus protection. This is the only feature most users will likely need. You get protection against a garden variety of malware, plus it includes antvirus scanners and safeguards against known malicious websites.

Avast free antivirus features screen

As a free user, with Avast, you will be getting a malware scanner, Wi-Fi vulnerabilities monitoring tool, and ransomware shield. So, you don't even have to pay top dollar to get the majority of features.

Yet, if you thread into the paid territory, even AVG's cheapest paid option greatly contributes to the security features of the service. The features include an encryption tool to protect yourself against ransomware, an enhanced firewall to keep unintended visitors off your device, and a shield against fake websites (which is really their proprietary DNS service).

Avast keeps up with them well enough. There's DNS settings protection, Sandbox mode to run apps in isolated space, advanced firewall, and webcam shield.

Ultimately, with either provider, you'll be getting firewall, phishing website protection, Wi-Fi security, and ransomware protection.

Additional tools

AvastAVG
Startup optimizer
Software updater
Data shredder
Device lock
Tune up utilities
Registry cleaner
VPN

As a free user, you won't be getting a lot of additional features. For those, you'll likely have to turn to paid editions.

Free AVG doesn't have any extras besides the protection suite, but Avast adds a password manager. So, this might be a deciding factor if you don't want to spend a dime and get the better-equipped service of the two. Though, it might be worth mentioning that many quality dedicated password managers have free versions of their own.

AVG antivirus free protection screen

When you thread into the premium territory, the variety expands. Some unique exclusives start to pop up, like File shredder for Avast and webcam shield for AVG.

AVG Ultimate has the same features as AVG Internet Security, plus additional products if you want to go all-in. For example, with the Ultimate edition, you also get AVG TuneUp and Secure VPN. TuneUp is a registry cleaner, it also clears up cookies and duplicate files. Their VPN isn't that great: not only does it log ome of your data, but it also has a small server fleet.

On Premium, Avast mimicks AVG. It also adds two unrelated products, namely, Avast Cleanup Premium and Avast SecureLine VPN. Both of these products also share the problems that we've seen with the AVG, and the Avast SecureLine VPN is not that great either.

To learn more about each antivirus, read our Avast Antivirus review and AVG Antivirus review.

Pricing

Most premium antiviruses require you to pay upfront for the year. So, if you want to be locked in for a year, then you need to know that it's worth the money. In my opinion, both antiviruses offer a very similar deal. However, what tips the scales in AVG's favor is the fact that both of its tiers are cheaper than Avast's Premium Security plan.

PlanAvastAVG
Free$0.00$0.00
One / Internet Security$29.99/year$31.20/year
Premium Security / Ultimate$29.99/year$51.99/year
Check PricingCheck Pricing

In any case, you should stay as far away as possible from the Ultimate editions of both services. It will give you products that aren't that useful for a lot more than you would pay if these services were separate.

Avast Antivirus

  • Avast One – $29.99/year, 5 devices (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS)
  • Avast One – $69.48/year, 30 devices (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS)
  • Avast Premium Security – $50.28/year, 1 device (Windows, macOS)
  • Avast Premium Security – $69.48/year, 10 devices (Windows, macOS)

There are two paid-for products and a free version of Avast. Avast Premium Security is actually split into two. Installing the software on a single device costs $29.99 a year, billed annually. The other half of Avast Premium Security is based on installing the software on multiple devices. This covers up to 10 devices at once and costs $69.48 a year. It's also billed annually.

The top product on offer at Avast is Avast One. It costs $29.99 a year, billed annually, on 5 devices, and comes with Avast SecureLine VPN. To cover across 30 devices, Avast One costs $69.48 a year, also billed annually.

AVG Antivirus

  • AVG Internet Security – $31.20/year, 1 device (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS)
  • AVG Internet Security – $39.99/year, 10 devices (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS)
  • AVG Ultimate – $51.99/year, 10 devices (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS)

AVG has a similar price plan to Avast. There are three plans to choose from, two of which are paid-for and one that is free. Mac users can take advantage of AVG – it's also free but has reduced features compared to the Windows software.

The AVG Internet Security package comes in at $46.68 a year on a single device, billed annually, making it slightly cheaper compared to Avast's first premium product. It includes everything in the Free version. There's also an option to cover up to 10 devices for $31.20 a year, also billed annually.

AVG's most expensive product is AVG Ultimate. It costs $31.20 a year, billed annually, and comes with all of the Internet Security's features, but with AVG TuneUp and a VPN on top.

User-friendliness

There are three main factors to consider for user-friendliness: simplicity, speed, and ease of installation and use. Both Avast and AVG perform well here – the interface is intuitive, and there are ample explanations for new users.

You could say that their UI looks like carbon copies of one another, and the reason is the same owner. You couldn't find more similar services in this regard.

The Avast installer is very easy to use – there's little input involved except if you plan on customizing the installation.

Once it's on your system, the software runs through a couple of things automatically, including a quick, simple scan for viruses and a check for outdated software. It will then update the outdated software after it finds it after you've approved the updates, of course.

Winner: Draw

Desktop apps

Once the installation has been fully completed, the Avast client is a dream to use. Navigation is a breeze, and the dark color scheme draws your eyes to the most important features. Those that aren't as important or urgent are hidden within the menu.

avast antivirus interface

Rather than breaking down the protection features into hundreds of mini categories, Avast cleans them all up into just four. For example, the "protection" category contains all of the antivirus and network options. There are helpful descriptions with each category to help you find what you're looking for,

The AVG installer is just 1MB. Installing is so fast, you genuinely might not even notice it's done. There are two installation options available: the quick install that uses the default settings and the customizable method to select exactly what you want to be installed on your device before commencing the installation.

AVG antivirus protection screen

Once AVG is installed, the client is just as easy to use as Avast's. Instead of four small categories, there are five. For example, the "payments" section includes the secure browser and payment information, while the "computer" section includes everything you need to keep your device secure.

The descriptions help to simplify the more complex features of AVG.

In terms of starting an antivirus scan, there are six preset options available. These range from a quick scan that runs while you go about your normal routine, to complete boot scans to detect deep malware infections. Simply click the gear icon at the bottom of the screen to display all your scanning options.

AVG has several sections on the client screen, all of which you can customize based on your needs. You can do this from the setting menu in the top-right of the client.

The overall customization options are great too. You can change the look of the client to how each individual feature looks.

Mobile apps

Both providers have mobile apps if you want to protect your phone, as well as your desktop. You will be covered, but you will be covered more if you're on Android. iOS users will get the same treatment as with most antivirus services – they have no antivirus protection properties. Not that they need them as Apple strictly controls their OS, not allowing any gaps for viruses ever infecting your phone.

Still, Avast has some features like a photo vault to store your most sensitive photos in the cloud. This is separate from your Apple account, which makes it immune from iCloud hacks. Then, there's VPN and web protection that prevent you from visiting malicious websites. AVG follows with the identical UI and identical suite of features. So, there's zero difference between the providers.

On Android, both providers bring out their guns – there are dedicated antivirus engines, anti-theft tools, hack alerts, privacy permission checks, and junk cleaners. It's almost a desktop suite for your phone. Then again, there's virtually no difference between the AVG and Avast versions. The apps even look identical with some different color options.

Support

AvastAVG
Email
24/7 live chat
Remote assistant
Phone line
Twitter and Facebook
Knowledgebase

Customer support for services that have a free version is generally a mixed bag. More often than not, you'll find it lacking. It's no exception that in this case, the situation is somewhat similar.

If you need responsive and faster customer support lines, Avast and AVG customer support is available for premium users only. In other cases, you'll be left to read FAQ sections and forums. That's the burden of free editions, and neither Avast nor AVG is an outlier.

As for the Avast's support methods, there are quite a few of those. The first is direct support. This includes Avast’s ticketing system and a 24/7 support line. The website also has a knowledgebase that covers almost everything, from initial installation to advanced security.

Then there’s the customer forum. There are over one million posts that help to get to the bottom of the problem. The customer forum is split by language and product, where you can communicate with the Avast staff themselves or with other users.

Avast Total Care is there for problems that cannot be solved. Available on paid plans, it guarantees that it will solve your problem, or you'll get a refund. You can also reach out to a customer support assistant which will solve the problem remotely by connecting to your device.

There is an extensive range of support methods for AVG customers, including the live chat feature for quick responses, email ticketing to answer more in-depth queries, and several phone lines for 24/7 support.

The website has an FAQ section, albeit limited, with each question separated to help you find the answers quickly. There are also dedicated support guides for all AVG products. They also help if you’re looking to upgrade your subscription.

The support forum is AVG’s best help source. You can sort by the most recent posts that cover a wide range of topics. All in all, AVG isn't as spectacular when it comes to customer support options, but there are channels to solve your potential problems. It's a shame that they are mostly available for paying customers only.

Winner: Draw

Video review

Final verdict

In this comparison we figured out that Avast and AVG antivirus are owned by the same company. Thus, it's no surprise that both Avast and AVG are user-friendly, provide strong antivirus protection, and have multiple customer support options. Yet, AVG is a better antivirus than Avast because it offers more valuable extra features at a similar price.

CategoryAvastAVG
Features
Protection
Pricing
User Friendliness
Support

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