AVG Antivirus is a good antivirus software program. It includes a phone tracker, performs well in threat detection, and even protects you from spyware. AVG Antivirus also has a free version, but it only includes protection against malware, so you will need to upgrade to a paid service to reap the full benefits.
The AVG Antivirus software employs artificial intelligence (AI) technology to detect malware operating patterns and warning signs on your computer and online.
AVG antivirus software runs in the background whenever your computer is turned on, and when it detects a cyber threat, it notifies you and quarantines the infected files so you do not accidentally access them.
You can then delete the files with a few mouse clicks. AVG does not support iOS mobile devices, but it does support Apple computers, PCs, and Android devices.
Let us investigate its pricing details, features, pros, and cons in this article.
Pricing
AVG AntiVirus Free is the company’s entry-level plan. You can get a free download with a limited set of security features here:
- Detects and removes viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other malware.
- Safe links, downloads, and email attachments are blocked.
- Scan for PC performance issues
- It provides real-time security updates.
To get more than the free version provides, you must upgrade to the AVG Internet Security package, which costs around $78 per year. They also provide discount up to 60% using AVG Antivirus coupon codes.
AVG security features
The antivirus’s security features are the most important consideration when selecting one for your device. Fortunately, AVG antivirus has a slew of them up its sleeve.
Real-time security
Real-time response is essential for cybercrime prevention. A virus or malware could breach a firewall with even a split-second delay in function. Because of its industry-leading use of AI, AVG Antivirus provides excellent real-time functionality. It uses machine learning to learn about new threats as they emerge. AVG Antivirus real-time protection enables the software to protect your computer effectively without having to scan every file you download or open.
Enhanced Firewall
AVG’s firewall is included with all plans, free and paid. The only difference is that the firewall in the free version lacks some features. This includes leak detection and port scan notifications.
The firewall is intended to monitor all incoming and outgoing network connections. You can choose appropriate presets based on your intended usage or strictness. When using public wifi, it can also operate in a separate mode that automatically switches to stricter settings. This is extremely useful if you move frequently.
System scanning
AVG Antivirus can also check removable drives by scanning USB and DVD drives. You can tailor your scans to target specific files and schedule scans for times when you have limited access, such as boot-up scans.
AVG Antivirus also includes a performance scan to fix issues that are slowing down your operating system, but we did not find it to be particularly effective in the long run.
Browser security
AVG Secure Browser is a free feature available to users of Windows, Mac, and Android. It is intended to protect your personal information and device from cyberattacks while you’re browsing the web.
The Secure Browser integrates seamlessly with the AVG antivirus, so no configuration is required; simply download it from the official website. It has a private browsing mode, blocks ads automatically, protects against tracking scripts, and even requires HTTPS encryption.
Secure Data Shield
Sensitive Data Shield is a paid-only feature of the AVG Internet Security package. This feature safeguards your most important files by limiting which applications can access them. This means that even if a hacker managed to get around other AVG-enforced barriers, he would still be unable to access them.
Protection against phishing
Phishing is a type of social engineering that can take many forms; however, the most well-known phishing attacks target users via email. AVG antivirus is excellent at detecting phishing attacks delivered as malicious attachments.
It also employs AI-based detection of phishing sites, which is another type of attack. In the blink of an eye, AVG scans for domain meta information, suspicious tokens, and even visual elements. Most of this scanning occurs while the page is loading, and the system works 99% of the time.
Webcam Security
Another premium feature is Webcam Protection, which acts as a strict software block for your webcam. When you install a new app, the AVG File Reputation service checks the number of users who have it installed, as well as the application’s certificates. So, you have valid confirmation that the app is safe to use and can access your camera.
AVG’s webcam protection feature gives you much more control over which applications can access your webcam. This is particularly useful for laptops that lack built-in webcam covers. Some of the processes can be automated.
AVG AntiTrack
AVG AntiTrack is a privacy application that conceals your digital footprint from data trackers and other interested parties. It’s ideal if you’ve been bombarded with targeted advertising or simply don’t trust other companies with your personal information, such as banking information, medical history, credit score, family information, and so on.
Pros
- Lots of features
- Pricing that is competitive (including a free version)
- Support via phone and chat
- Simple download and installation
- Easy-to-use interface
- Minimal impact on computer performance
- Outstanding malware protection
Cons
- iPhone is not supported
- No parental controls
- Knowledge base unhelpful
- Expensive premium assistance
- No AVG products for Ubuntu or other Linux distributions.
Conclusion
Even though AVG Antivirus provides excellent protection for a free piece of software, purchasing a paid subscription instead is the best option. That is because the free version can only detect malware and does nothing else.
The paid version, on the other hand, includes a slew of useful security features. 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.
FAQs
- Is AVG antivirus reliable?
AVG is one of the most trusted names in antivirus for good reason, with a 99.8 percent malware detection rate. Strong antivirus software is more important than ever for the health and safety of any Internet-connected device.
- Is AVG causing my computer to slow down?
According to AVG, this type of scanning activity does not typically slow down your system. Slow start-ups, poor system performance, or other issues that cause your computer to run slowly may indicate a problem that you can resolve without contacting technical support.
- Is AVG capable of detecting all viruses?
AVG AntiVirus FREE detects and removes all types of malware, as well as detects and prevents future attacks. It will also protect you from a wide range of other digital threats.
- Can AVG prevent internet access?
When enabled, AVG blocks all Internet access for all programs.
- Is AVG free indefinitely?
AVG AntiVirus has an expiry date; the program you install will work for a year after which you will need to reinstall AVG AntiVirus on your computer.