Which avg should i get

Personal Safety Devices for Every Situation. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Antivirus software detects and blocks viruses, spyware, ransomware, adware, and other damaging programs that can infect your hard drive and leave you open to identity theft. Online, it can warn you of potentially harmful links and deep scan websites for malware.

AVG AntiVirus software uses artificial intelligence AI technology to recognize the operating patterns and warning signs of malware on your computer and online. AVG antivirus software works in the background anytime your computer is turned on, and when the program discovers a cyber threat, it alerts you and places the infected files into quarantine so you can't accidentally access them.

You can then remove the files with just a few clicks. In December , Avast collected unnecessary user data such as browsing history and activity through Avast subsidiary Jumpshot. Avast has since severed ties with Jumpshot , though we have to recommend this software cautiously because of its history.

Read our best antivirus and anti-malware software guide to learn more about our top picks. You can get the free download that includes a limited amount of security features:.

AVG's AntiVirus Free has plenty of useful features that are usually reserved for paid subscriptions, and its customization options allow you to choose how and when your virus scans happen.

Unlike other antivirus software offerings, AVG's program doesn't include options for parents to block certain websites or content on kids' devices. Here are our top picks for parental control apps. If you already have a built-in antivirus app on your computer, you can still download AVG as a backup. Its passive mode allows it to run as backup virus protection while not interfering with your primary antivirus program.

If AVG catches something the primary malware detection program misses, it will alert you. AVG lets you customize how it conducts scans. You can schedule scans for specific times, adjust the intensity of the scans to minimize impact on your computer speeds, and even exclude specific files from being scanned. When you run AVG, you'll see a black background with green text.

Not everyone likes the dark color scheme. Unlike other free antivirus software, AVG AntiVirus doesn't have a quick scan option, but it does take less time to scan your drive each time you use it.

You can run scans on USB drives when you plug them in, but you'll have to do it manually, as there's no auto-scan option. AVG's AntiVirus Free has many useful features that are usually reserved for paid subscriptions, and its customization options allow you to choose how and when your virus scans happen. AVG provides easy instructions for downloading and installing the system, making it simple enough for anyone to do it. When we had some issues with the program on our Mac, we went to the AVG website first to find solutions on the message boards.

We found the site counterintuitive and difficult to navigate. We recommend registering on the website so you can contact the help desk directly with any questions you may have. AVG recognizes that new malware pops up on the internet daily, so it not only blocks new threats when they attack; it also sends them to the AVG online lab for analysis. AVG then updates all its users with the new virus definitions. AVG Antivirus Free got top marks in both performance and basic protection.

Thankfully, the company figured things out. Its antivirus software is now compatible with computers running iOS. Instead, you can get a VPN program for a small monthly fee on your mobile device. VPNs make it harder for threats to find you so you can safely browse the web in public. Check out our best VPN services review to learn more.

It applies machine learning to discover and learn about new threats as it discovers them. AVG Antivirus real-time protection enables the software to effectively protect your computer without having to scan every file you download or open.

The green scan button in the middle of the dashboard performs a basic scan of the most vulnerable parts of the system. The first scan takes a few minutes, but subsequent scans take only about thirty seconds. To do a deep, complete system scan, though, you need to click through the center button three times.

Only then do you get the most effective security scan AVG has to offer. You can also customize your scans to target certain files, and schedule scans for times of limited use, including boot-up scans.

Mind you, the iOS version doesn't include any real antivirus protection. It adds a VPN, data breach monitoring, and bumps up the number of photos in secure vault. AVG Antivirus is extremely easy to use. The free version downloads with just a few clicks, no account necessary.

The AVG Antivirus user interface is extremely simple and intuitive. Clicking on the middle tiles will unlock simple interfaces to manage and activate features and functions. AVG Antivirus has a reputation for great customer support, and the experience mostly bears that out. A visit to the support page reveals an extensive knowledge base with a search field, a support community, quick links to the download center and license finder, and numerous FAQs.

The window you are taken to has tabs for technical support and sales support. The tech support tab has a contact form to initiate a support ticket, with response by email. The sales support tab includes customer service phone numbers, a quick link to refund requests, and a chat support link. Sensitive Data Shield, phishing prevention, webcam protection, and an enhanced firewall that can protect you against ransomware will make your online life much more secure.

In terms of price, keep in mind that the first year of using AVG will be cheaper for you. The second year of subscription can be significantly more expensive. So, if you want to cheap out, try AVG for a single year first — this will give you enough time to get to know the tool better.

Avast vs. AVG : which one is better? TotalAV antivirus review : read all about one of the safest antivirus programs. Malwarebytes review : is this antivirus worth the price? AVG Antivirus has a free basic version. AVG Antivirus performed comparably to Norton Antivirus when blocking viruses, malware, ransomware, and download-based attacks. However, it underperformed Norton Antivirus when blocking link-based attacks. The free software AVG Antivirus also does not offer protection against phishing attacks based on links or fake web pages, including fake payment pages.

Avast bought AVG in They run off the same security engine and have been adapted to have similar interfaces. Picking between free versions is largely a matter of preference—you will have the same level of protection with either one. Upper-tier Premium packages are where the two brands start to diverge. Even if you are only considering the free version of these antivirus products, check the premium features to see which ones you might find more useful if you decide to upgrade. Let us talk in more details about the installation process, the user interface and performance next.

Installation starts with you downloading the installer 7. On average, installation takes minutes, which is on par with the leaders. For example, some of the rivals on the market big names with millions of users can take up to minutes to install, if not more Kaspersky is definitely among the slowest ones.

The interface is quite stylish and looks like the team working on it was inspired by hacker movies from the 90s. But when it changes to a red exclamation point, you should check whether the system is under attack or if a virus is already on your device.

As far as the configuration options go, AVG is one of the best picks right now. In the Tray, you can see the current status protected or in danger and access the main menu via one single click. The bottom line is — AVG is a user-friendly antivirus with a smart layout, a fast engine, and impressive configuration capabilities.

Even the most outdated computers will be able to run this antivirus not as smoothly as the modern ones, of course. However, Kaspersky managed to only slow down the machine by 2. Furthermore, along with the following plans, you can also purchase tools for optimization, updating the drivers, and even a VPN.

Overall, the company offers a very flexible deal, and most users will be able to find the combination that works best for their current needs.

AVG Antivirus Free is the entry-level package. It scans your PC, getting automatic updates, blocking dangerous email attachments, and protecting the device from malware. It is available for both Windows and Mac OS. The Mac version is compatible with macOS It is understandable why many people choose this option: it offers the perfect fundamentals that satisfy many users without a need for any additional features.

Indeed, AVG Antivirus Free provides real-time protection that is based on the constant updates of the system. This step ensures that AVG detects new threats. This package includes scans for malware, spyware, viruses, and problems with performance , not limiting itself only to one aspect of the device security. It prevents dangerous programs from installing, noticing them even before they are downloaded.

It also scans not only files but email attachments and questionable links. The bonus aspect is that this free version does not overload the computer with annoying buttons or pop-ups, at the same time remaining simple. The easy-to-use interface is perfectly preserved in the free package, which is a neat advantage for people who are afraid that security programs are too complicated. Despite the updates, the program does not slow down the whole computer or telephone, so it is really concerned with the efficiency that it protects.

That is why the free version is suitable for many who need essential protection and reliable support. The company officials claim that this is the most popular plan among their clients. Along with all of the necessary features that the free version comes with, IS gives you access to a pretty impressive list of new options. The creators of AVG emphasize that modern problems with malware became personal. Using a webcam or breaking into the privacy settings is becoming much more common, which makes the AVG achievements even more critical.

AVG Internet Security gives more extensive security against any threat, adding its advanced Artificial Intelligence to a more improved service. It also aims at web and email protection with the use of Email Shield. So, it protects the user against any type of malware. The Enhanced Firewall and Ransomware Protection are great against hacker attacks. It is very improbable that any data will be stolen with them. You will have your passwords, photos, or any programs under excellent control.

Aside from protecting the webcam, this package allows for protecting specific folders or files. What is even more impressive, you can opt for File Shredder that can delete the data forever. If you are afraid of access to specific data and want them to be top-priority, AVG Internet Security allows you to encrypt and hide them. This version also helps to make the payment secure. It uses two features in this case.

Anti-spam makes sure that dangerous or annoying emails do not intervene in your email security. Fake Website Shield blocks and detects the copies of the real websites where you make your payments. As the name suggests, this is the highest tier.

It includes everything from the previous 2 packages and offers the most comprehensive set of features. The website itself explains that this version combines the Internet Security features with the TuneUp. TuneUp does everything to speed up your PC.

It scans the data to clean the junk one, improves battery life, and serves as an excellent saving system for minor and severe performance problems. It is useful both for old and new devices because it tries to maximize their potential. This ultimate antivirus package is full of security tools that will make your PC as protected as it is probably possible.

The first feature also provides a password vault where you can store essential passwords without fear of losing them. The real-time protection is further supported by the automatic maintenance that makes it very reliable and independent.

This package also has a disk cleaner that helps to avoid the overload of the PC with useless files. This package is suitable for families and personal use, targeting all security issues. This technology ensures that none of the viruses are shared with friends and family even if they use a different device.

It also operates in a quiet mode and allows you not to notice it as well. This package has the online security that blocks websites, emails, and links in question. This version also has the same automatic update that AVG is known for.

AVG Antivirus for Android has a free edition that will protect you from malware and spyware and will help you find your phone in case of theft. The Pro version is in addition capable of taking pictures of a thief or anyone else who fails to unblock your phone three times in a row. It also allows users to protect any app with a PIN. Antivirus features include security tools against malware, spyware, viruses, suspicious apps, and dangerous settings.

It also ensures protection against unwanted callers. It also contains an anti-theft phone tracker. App Lock helps you prevent other people from accessing your data by locking them with passwords, pattern, or fingerprint. Camera Trap takes the photo of anyone who tries to access your phone unsuccessfully three times and sends you the picture with the date and location mentioned. Device Lock will work anytime when someone steals and replaces your SIM. This tool is not free, but we think it deserves mentioning.

AVG provides you with secure access to Wi-Fi regardless of the location, hides your IP address, and gives a broad list of international locations to choose from.

Filing a ticket is also an option. AVG is also present in social media. Via LinkedIn and YouTube , you can find additional info about the issues you have. We also recommend you to check Twitter and Facebook pages to get in touch with Support Team faster. The greatest thing about this antivirus is that the free edition is quite impressive.

Avast Free might be a better pick for some, but not necessarily for every single user. As for AVG Internet Security, it is a bit too expensive for comfort, and other brands offer the same level of security and versatility for more affordable price-tags. The pros include great performance, low CPU usage, customization freedom, and above-average security ratings from third-party companies.

Pure trash. I have been a very faithful customer of AVG for years…until today. I was offered a 30 day trial on several subscriptions plus the ability to pay monthly for such subscriptions, which is an upgrade versus the free version. To my surprise, I never received the 30 day free trial, and was charged the whole amount for each 2 year subscription. I asked to talk to his supervisor, and he declined to transfer my call. This is a disgrace of a customer service for a company I was so faithful to for so long.

The functionality and efficiency of this program does not make up for the horrible customer service.