In today’s digital world, protecting your devices from viruses, malware, and other malicious threats is more important than ever. That’s where AVG Antivirus comes in. As a leading antivirus solution, AVG offers robust protection and a range of features to keep your devices secure. In this 2023 AVG Antivirus review, I will delve into its key features, performance impact, and value for your cybersecurity needs.
Key Takeaways:
- AVG Antivirus is a top contender in the antivirus market, offering excellent protection against viruses, malware, and other threats.
- AVG’s solid performance in independent lab tests demonstrates its reliability as an antivirus solution.
- With a user-friendly interface and a range of additional features, AVG provides a comprehensive antivirus experience.
- AVG offers protection for various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, ensuring your devices are safe across all devices.
- Whether you choose the free version or upgrade to the premium security suite, AVG delivers on its promise of keeping your devices secure.
AVG’s Acquisition and Company Background
In 2016, Avast acquired AVG, forming a new company called Gen that manages the brands Norton, LifeLock, Avast, AVG, and Avira. AVG and Avast have a special relationship, sharing the same antivirus protection engines. This acquisition allows AVG to have a global reach and a strong following in different areas. Avast One Essential offers more features, but AVG and Avast are both Editors’ Choice winners for free antivirus.
Let’s dive deeper into AVG’s acquisition by Avast and its company background. When Avast acquired AVG in 2016, it established a new company called Gen, which is responsible for managing several renowned antivirus brands, including Norton, LifeLock, Avast, AVG, and Avira.
This acquisition has proven to be beneficial for AVG as it has allowed the brand to expand its global reach and consolidate its position in the antivirus market. The integration of AVG’s technology with Avast’s has resulted in a more advanced and comprehensive antivirus solution that delivers optimal protection against various threats.
An interesting aspect of AVG’s acquisition by Avast is the shared antivirus protection engines. Both AVG and Avast now utilize the same antivirus engine, ensuring consistent and reliable performance across their respective products.
Although Avast One Essential offers a wider range of features, both AVG and Avast have been recognized as Editors’ Choice winners for their free antivirus offerings. This recognition highlights the effectiveness of AVG’s antivirus software, providing users with reliable protection at no cost.
The Benefits of Acquisition:
Acquisition allows AVG to expand its global reach
AVG and Avast share the same antivirus protection engines
AVG and Avast both offer Editors’ Choice-winning free antivirus
Now we know the importance of AVG’s acquisition by Avast and its company background. Let’s explore the financial aspects and pricing structure of AVG in the next section.
AVG’s Financial Model and Pricing
When it comes to generating revenue, AVG primarily relies on its premium security suite. While the free version of AVG Antivirus offers basic protection, it also entices users to upgrade or start a 30-day free trial of the premium features. By providing a taste of the advanced security capabilities, AVG encourages users to explore the enhanced protection provided by their paid offerings.
In the past, AVG’s antivirus software included a separate Pro edition. However, the company has now shifted its focus to promoting the full AVG Internet Security suite as the recommended upgrade. This comprehensive security solution combines antivirus protection with additional features to deliver a more robust defense against cyber threats.
AVG offers different pricing plans for its Internet Security suite, catering to various user needs. The plans start at $79.99 per year for a single license, allowing users to protect one device. For those seeking comprehensive protection across multiple devices, AVG Ultimate is available at $129.99 per year. This premium package includes additional features such as AVG TuneUp, AVG Secure VPN, and AVG AntiTrack, providing an all-in-one security and optimization solution.
By offering a range of pricing options, AVG ensures that users can choose a plan that suits their individual requirements and budget. Whether you are a casual user or a power user with multiple devices, AVG has options to accommodate your needs.
AVG’s Lab Test Results
AVG participates in tests conducted by independent labs to demonstrate its antivirus capabilities. These lab test results provide a comprehensive assessment of AVG’s performance and effectiveness in protecting against malware and other threats.
In AV-Comparatives tests, AVG consistently receives Advanced+ ratings, along with its sibling brand Avast. This recognition signifies that AVG’s antivirus solution excels in providing a high level of protection to users. Another antivirus software, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, also performs well in these tests.
AV-Test Institute evaluates antivirus capabilities in three critical areas: protection, performance, and usability. AVG achieves an impressive score of 17.5 out of 18, earning the Top Product designation from AV-Test. This recognition reaffirms the effectiveness and reliability of AVG’s antivirus software in combatting various threats.
| Antivirus Solution | Protection | Performance | Usability |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVG | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| Avast | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
As illustrated in the table above, AVG demonstrates strong performance in all three areas evaluated by AV-Test Institute. With a near-perfect score, AVG’s antivirus solution proves to be a top contender in the industry.
These lab test results validate AVG’s commitment to delivering high-quality antivirus protection to its users. By consistently participating in independent tests, AVG demonstrates transparency and accountability, allowing users to make informed decisions regarding their cybersecurity needs.
AVG’s Malware Protection
When it comes to protecting your devices from malware, AVG antivirus excels with its robust security features. Powered by an advanced antivirus engine, AVG is capable of detecting and blocking a wide range of malware samples, ensuring that your system remains safe and secure.
In tests conducted with real-world malware samples, AVG achieved an impressive 88% detection rate, earning it a score of 8.6 out of 10 possible points. This outstanding performance places AVG ahead of competing antivirus solutions like Norton AntiVirus Plus and on par with Avast, reaffirming its effectiveness in combating malware.
One of AVG’s key strengths lies in its real-time protection capabilities. Even if a file is already present on your device, AVG’s antivirus engine performs a final examination before allowing it to execute, providing an additional layer of security.
With AVG antivirus, you can have peace of mind knowing that your devices are safeguarded against potential malware threats, allowing you to browse the web and use your applications without worrying about compromising your security.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Detection Rate | 88% |
| Score | 8.6/10 |
| Real-Time Protection | Yes |
AVG’s Web Protection and Phishing Protection
When it comes to protecting your online activities, AVG antivirus goes above and beyond with its robust web protection and phishing protection features. With the rise in cyber threats, AVG ensures that your browsing experience remains safe and secure.
AVG’s web protection feature acts as a shield against malware-hosting URLs, preventing unauthorized access to potentially harmful websites. In independent tests, AVG successfully blocked access to 45% of tested URLs, safeguarding users from malicious content.
But AVG doesn’t stop there. It also eliminates downloads of malicious files, providing an additional layer of protection. During the download stage, AVG successfully eliminated another 34% of potentially harmful content, ensuring that your system remains free from malware and other threats. In total, AVG’s web protection feature offers a solid 79% protection rate against malicious URLs and downloads.
Phishing protection is another crucial aspect of AVG’s antivirus solution. With a 99% detection rate, AVG excels at detecting and diverting users from fraudulent websites that attempt to steal personal and sensitive information. Whether it’s financial information or login credentials, AVG’s advanced detection algorithms keep you safe from phishing attacks.
Compared to other antivirus solutions like Avast and Trend Micro, AVG outperforms in both web protection and phishing protection. Its strong track record in preventing access to malicious URLs and blocking phishing attempts make it a reliable choice for safeguarding your online activities.
AVG’s Additional Features and Utilities
In addition to antivirus protection, AVG offers a range of additional features and utilities that enhance your cybersecurity experience. With AVG Ultimate, you can enjoy comprehensive protection and optimization for up to 10 devices.
AVG Ultimate includes:
- AVG Internet Security: A powerful security suite that safeguards your devices from viruses, malware, ransomware, and other online threats.
- AVG TuneUp: An optimization tool that improves the performance of your devices by removing junk files, optimizing battery usage, and updating software.
- AVG Secure VPN: A virtual private network that protects your privacy online by encrypting your internet connection and masking your IP address.
- AVG AntiTrack: A tool that prevents online tracking, ensuring your browsing activity remains private and secure.
Additionally, AVG offers a range of other useful tools and features, including:
- Secure Browser: A browser that provides protection against online threats and ensures secure internet browsing.
- Battery Saver: A feature that optimizes your device’s battery usage, extending its overall battery life.
- Driver Updater: A tool that automatically updates outdated drivers, ensuring optimal device performance and compatibility.
These additional features and utilities provide a comprehensive security solution, enhancing your online protection and optimizing the performance of your devices.
AVG Antivirus for Different Platforms
AVG provides comprehensive antivirus solutions for a wide range of platforms, ensuring that users can enjoy robust protection regardless of the device they use. Whether you’re using Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android, AVG has you covered.
AVG Antivirus for Windows offers a powerful defense against malware and other threats, keeping your system safe and secure. With its advanced features and real-time scanning capabilities, AVG provides reliable protection for your Windows devices.
If you’re a Mac user, AVG Antivirus for Mac is designed specifically to protect your Mac from viruses and malware. This software delivers top-notch security to keep your Mac running smoothly and free from any malicious threats.
For Android users, AVG Antivirus for Android is a popular choice. It offers free antivirus protection along with additional features like Wi-Fi security scan, app lock, and anti-theft functionality. With AVG, you can browse, download, and use apps confidently, knowing that your Android device is safeguarded.
AVG Antivirus for Different Platforms
| Platform | Features |
|---|---|
| Windows | Comprehensive protection against malware and other threats |
| Mac | Top-notch security specifically designed for Mac devices |
| Android | Free antivirus protection with additional features like Wi-Fi security scan, app lock, and anti-theft functionality |
One of the key benefits of choosing AVG is its consistent user interface across different platforms. This makes it easy for users to navigate through the software and access the features they need, regardless of the device they are using. AVG’s user-friendly approach ensures a seamless experience and allows you to focus on what matters most – your online activities.
AVG’s Privacy and Identity Protection
Protecting your privacy and identity online is of utmost importance, and AVG offers a range of comprehensive solutions to keep your personal information secure. With AVG’s privacy protection features, you can have peace of mind knowing that your digital footprint remains private and your online activities are shielded from prying eyes.
One of the key tools in AVG’s arsenal is AVG AntiTrack, which prevents tracking by third parties. This powerful feature ensures that your online activities and preferences remain confidential, protecting you from targeted advertisements and unauthorized data collection.
In addition to AVG AntiTrack, AVG BreachGuard provides an additional layer of security by protecting against data breaches. With the increasing frequency of cyberattacks and data leaks, AVG BreachGuard actively monitors your personal information and alerts you if any breaches are detected. This allows you to take immediate action to safeguard your sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access.
These privacy and identity protection features work in real-time, providing continuous monitoring and proactive defense against digital threats. By integrating these tools into your online experience, you can browse the internet with confidence and enjoy a heightened level of privacy and security.
| Key Features of AVG’s Privacy and Identity Protection |
|---|
| AVG AntiTrack |
| Prevents tracking by third parties |
| Safeguards your digital footprint |
| Protects against targeted advertisements |
| AVG BreachGuard |
| Protects against data breaches |
| Monitors personal information in real-time |
| Alerts you of any detected breaches |
With AVG’s privacy and identity protection features, you can take control of your online presence and protect yourself from the ever-evolving threats in the digital landscape. Whether you’re browsing the web, making online transactions, or simply connecting with others, AVG ensures that your personal information remains private and secure.
AVG’s User-Friendly Interface and Settings
When it comes to antivirus software, a user-friendly interface is essential for a seamless experience. AVG understands this, providing users with a clean and intuitive design that is easy to navigate. The interface of AVG antivirus features a clear distinction between free and premium features, ensuring that users can easily identify the available functionalities.
Upon opening AVG, users are greeted with basic protection panels for computer and web & email protection. These panels provide quick access to essential security features, such as real-time scanning, virus removal, and web protection. For those seeking comprehensive protection, AVG also extends an invitation to upgrade to their security suite, which offers additional layers of defense for optimal security.
One of the standout features of AVG is its attention to customization and personalized configurations. Through the user-friendly menu tab, users can access an array of settings and options. Whether you want to adjust scan schedules, manage quarantine files, or fine-tune the behavior of the antivirus, AVG allows for easy customization to suit your preferences.
Here is a glimpse of AVG’s user-friendly interface:
| Interface Snapshot |
|---|
 |
As seen in the snapshot above, AVG’s interface provides a streamlined and organized layout, ensuring that even users new to antivirus software can navigate with ease. The menu tab offers access to various sections, including scan settings, updates, quarantine management, and more. This intuitive design allows users to configure AVG antivirus according to their specific needs.
In conclusion, AVG’s user-friendly interface ensures that both beginners and experienced users can easily navigate and customize their antivirus settings. By prioritizing clarity and simplicity, AVG delivers an excellent user experience, enhancing overall satisfaction and peace of mind.
Lab Scores and Reliability of AVG
AVG has consistently achieved high scores in tests conducted by independent labs, demonstrating its reliability as an antivirus solution. With perfect scores from AV-Test Institute, AVG’s solid performance in lab tests reinforces its effectiveness in protecting against malware and other threats. While antivirus companies pay for testing, AVG’s scores across multiple labs indicate its competence and dedication to providing reliable antivirus protection.
AVG’s commitment to excellence is evident in its lab test scores, which consistently rank among the highest in the industry. These scores are a testament to the effectiveness of AVG’s antivirus software in safeguarding users’ devices from malicious threats.
One notable independent lab that evaluates antivirus capabilities is the AV-Test Institute. It rigorously assesses antivirus products based on three key criteria: protection, performance, and usability. AVG has consistently earned perfect scores in all three categories, securing its place as a top performer amongst its competitors.
AVG’s high lab test scores are a result of its robust and advanced antivirus engine, which efficiently detects and eliminates a wide range of malware. Whether it’s viruses, Trojans, ransomware, or other threats, AVG provides reliable protection that users can trust.
| Lab | Score |
|---|---|
| AV-Test | 10/10 |
| AV-Comparatives | Superior rating |
| Virus Bulletin | VB100 certification |
The table above provides a snapshot of AVG’s performance in a few reputable labs. These results demonstrate the consistent high-quality protection AVG offers to its users.
AVG’s commitment to excellence is further reinforced by its dedication to ongoing improvements and updates. Regular updates ensure that AVG’s antivirus software stays abreast of the latest threats and provides robust protection against emerging malware.
With AVG’s high lab test scores and demonstrated reliability, users can feel confident that their devices are well-protected against online threats. AVG’s strong performance in lab tests underlines its commitment to delivering top-notch antivirus software that consistently exceeds expectations.
AVG’s Protection Against Hacker Attacks
When it comes to safeguarding your device against hacker attacks, AVG has you covered. With advanced firewall features, AVG provides enhanced protection against external threats, ensuring your data and privacy are secure.
The firewall acts as a barrier between your device and the internet, monitoring incoming and outgoing network traffic, and blocking unauthorized access attempts. AVG’s firewall effectively filters network traffic, preventing hackers from gaining entry to your system and keeping your sensitive information safe.
Another essential tool in AVG’s arsenal is the password protection module. This feature secures the passwords stored in your browsers, adding an extra layer of defense against hacker attacks. By encrypting and safeguarding your passwords, AVG helps prevent unauthorized access to your accounts, reducing the risk of identity theft and data breaches.
AVG’s behavior shield is yet another crucial component of its hacker attack protection. This feature actively monitors the behavior of software and notifies you if any suspicious activities are detected. By promptly alerting you to potential threats, AVG allows you to take immediate action and prevent any malicious software from causing harm.
In addition to these features, AVG provides real-time updates and advanced antivirus capabilities, ensuring comprehensive protection against hacker attacks. With regular updates, AVG stays ahead of the latest threats, allowing you to browse and use online services with peace of mind.
Overall, AVG’s comprehensive protection measures, including its firewall, password protection module, and behavior shield, offer robust defense against hacker attacks. By employing these features alongside real-time updates and advanced antivirus capabilities, AVG ensures that your device remains secure and your sensitive information stays protected.
AVG’s Impact on System Performance
AVG Antivirus is designed to provide optimal protection for your devices without compromising their performance. The software operates smoothly in the background, ensuring a seamless user experience. Unlike some antivirus solutions that can slow down your device, AVG’s real-time scanning runs efficiently while minimizing system impact. This means you can browse the web, stream content, and run applications without noticeable slowdowns or interruptions.
To further enhance performance, AVG offers useful features such as Turbo Scan and Silent Mode. Turbo Scan intelligently skips known files during scans, reducing the overall scan time and making the process faster and more efficient. Silent Mode allows you to work uninterrupted by temporarily suspending notifications, ensuring your productivity is not disrupted.
Overall, AVG strikes a balance between delivering effective protection against malware and minimizing its impact on system resources. Whether you’re using a Windows PC, Mac, or Android device, AVG’s performance-focused approach ensures your devices stay secure without sacrificing speed or usability.
| Performance Impact | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Minimal system impact | Smooth user experience |
| Turbo Scan | Faster and more efficient scans |
| Silent Mode | Uninterrupted work without notifications |
AVG’s Mobile Protection
Mobile devices have become a crucial part of our daily lives, storing sensitive information and connecting us to the digital world. To ensure comprehensive protection for your mobile devices, AVG extends its security solutions to Android and iOS platforms. With AVG’s mobile protection, you can safeguard your smartphones and tablets from various threats, including malware and viruses.
AVG Antivirus for Android:
AVG Antivirus for Android offers powerful protection against malware and viruses, providing peace of mind while browsing the web or downloading apps. With its advanced scanning capabilities, it detects and removes malicious files, ensuring that your device stays safe and secure. In addition to malware protection, AVG Antivirus for Android also includes features like Wi-Fi scanning, which checks the security of your Wi-Fi network, and anti-theft capabilities to help you track and recover your device if it gets lost or stolen.
AVG Antivirus for iOS:
AVG Antivirus for iOS delivers similar protection for your Apple devices, ensuring that your iPhones and iPads are shielded from threats. With real-time scanning and automatic updates, it keeps your iOS devices secure from malware and other malicious activities. AVG Antivirus for iOS provides a robust defense against phishing attacks, protecting your sensitive information and online transactions from fraudsters. It also offers a safe browsing feature, which alerts you when you visit potentially harmful websites, keeping you safe while surfing the internet.
With AVG’s mobile protection, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Comprehensive antivirus protection for Android and iOS devices
- Real-time scanning and automatic updates to keep your device secure
- Wi-Fi scanning to ensure the security of your network
- Anti-theft capabilities to track and recover your lost or stolen device
- Protection against phishing attacks and fraudulent websites
Comparison of AVG Mobile Protection Features
| Feature | AVG Antivirus for Android | AVG Antivirus for iOS |
|---|---|---|
| Malware and Virus Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Scanning | Yes | No |
| Anti-Theft Capabilities | Yes | No |
| Phishing Protection | Yes | Yes |
With multi-device support and features tailored specifically for mobile devices, AVG provides comprehensive protection for users on the go. Whether you use an Android smartphone or iOS device, AVG’s mobile protection ensures that your mobile experience is safe and secure, allowing you to stay connected without compromising your privacy or security.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AVG Antivirus is a top contender in the antivirus market, providing excellent protection against viruses, malware, and other threats. Its solid performance in lab tests, user-friendly interface, and additional features make it a reliable choice for users seeking comprehensive antivirus protection.
Whether you choose the free version or upgrade to the premium security suite, AVG delivers on its promise of keeping your devices secure. With a range of products available for different platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, AVG ensures that all your devices are protected.
Furthermore, AVG’s affordable pricing structure makes it accessible to a wide range of users. Starting at $79.99 per year for one license, AVG offers various pricing plans to suit different needs. The premium AVG Ultimate package, priced at $129.99 per year, includes additional features like AVG TuneUp, AVG Secure VPN, and AVG AntiTrack, providing comprehensive protection and optimization for up to 10 devices.
In summary, AVG Antivirus is a trusted name in the cybersecurity industry, offering powerful and reliable antivirus protection. Whether you’re a casual user or a cybersecurity enthusiast, AVG has the right solution for you. With its solid performance, user-friendly interface, and extensive feature set, AVG is an excellent choice to keep your devices safe from online threats.
FAQ
Is AVG Antivirus a reliable antivirus solution?
Yes, AVG Antivirus is a reliable antivirus solution that offers excellent protection against viruses, malware, and other malicious actors.
What are the pricing options for AVG Antivirus?
AVG offers different pricing plans for its antivirus software, starting at $79.99 per year for one license and going up to $129.99 per year for AVG Ultimate, which includes additional features like AVG TuneUp, AVG Secure VPN, and AVG AntiTrack.
How does AVG Antivirus perform in lab tests?
AVG consistently achieves high scores in tests conducted by independent labs, demonstrating its reliability as an antivirus solution. It has received perfect scores from AV-Test Institute and consistently performs well in tests conducted by AV-Comparatives.
Does AVG Antivirus offer protection against malware?
Yes, AVG Antivirus offers excellent malware protection, with its antivirus engine detecting and blocking a majority of malware samples. It outperforms Norton AntiVirus Plus and is on par with Avast.
Does AVG Antivirus provide web and phishing protection?
Yes, AVG Antivirus provides web protection features that prevent access to malware-hosting URLs and eliminate downloads of malicious content. It also offers excellent phishing protection, detecting and diverting users from fraudulent websites with a 99% detection rate.
What additional features does AVG Antivirus offer?
In addition to antivirus protection, AVG offers a range of additional features and utilities. These include AVG TuneUp for device optimization, AVG Secure VPN for online privacy, and AVG AntiTrack to prevent online tracking.
Does AVG Antivirus support different platforms?
Yes, AVG provides antivirus solutions for various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. It offers specific antivirus software tailored to each platform’s needs.
Does AVG Antivirus offer privacy and identity protection?
Yes, AVG Antivirus offers privacy and identity protection features to safeguard users’ personal information. These include AVG AntiTrack to protect digital footprints and AVG BreachGuard to protect against data breaches.
Is AVG Antivirus user-friendly?
Yes, AVG Antivirus features a clean and intuitive user interface design. It offers easy access to settings and customization options, making it user-friendly even for those new to antivirus software.
How reliable is AVG Antivirus?
AVG consistently achieves high scores in tests conducted by independent labs, demonstrating its reliability as an antivirus solution. Its solid performance in lab tests reinforces its effectiveness in protecting against malware and other threats.
Does AVG Antivirus protect against hacker attacks?
Yes, AVG Antivirus provides enhanced firewall features that protect against hacker attacks. It also offers password protection and behavior shields to detect and notify users of suspicious software behavior.
Does AVG Antivirus impact system performance?
No, AVG Antivirus is designed to have minimal impact on system performance. It runs efficiently in the background without significantly slowing down the device. It also offers features like Turbo Scan and Silent Mode to optimize performance.
Does AVG Antivirus offer mobile protection?
Yes, AVG offers free antivirus solutions for Android and iOS devices. The mobile antivirus software provides malware and virus protection, along with additional features like Wi-Fi scanning and anti-theft capabilities.
Thomas Loan is a dedicated antivirus software checker and reviewer at soloantivirus.com. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for cybersecurity, Thomas meticulously evaluates the latest antivirus programs to ensure users receive the best protection for their devices. His in-depth reviews and expert insights help readers make informed decisions about their digital security. Thomas’s commitment to providing accurate and comprehensive assessments makes him a trusted voice in the field of antivirus software.