Avast has a great reputation for protecting computers from viruses and malware. With free and premium options, it delivers a complete security solution. Avast offers a wide range of tools beyond basic antivirus protection, including password protection, data shredder, webcam shield, sandbox and more. We’ll take a closer look at this antivirus solution in our full Avast Antivirus review to help you decide if it’s the right solution for you.
Pros
- One of the most popular and trusted antivirus options around
- Compatible with Mac, Windows, Android and iOS devices
- A free version is readily available for download
Cons
- Might not be the best choice for those who are concerned about their privacy on the internet
- Heavy pricing on some packages
Table of Contents
Avast Antivirus at a Glance
Avast is a popular choice used by over 435 million active users worldwide to protect their smartphones and computers from malware and other threats online.
With its suite of excellent security features, the software blocks over 1.5 billion threats every month. These features include a malware-scanning engine that can detect threats in real-time and an antivirus database that is frequently updated with newly identified threats and vulnerabilities.
Featured Partner Offer
1
Avast
Starting price
Free; $50.08 USD ($68.06 CAD) per year for up to 10 devices
Inclusions
Firewall, email security and ransomware protection
Moneyback guarantee
30 days
2
McAfee
Starting price
$39.99 CAD per year
Inclusions
Firewall, email security and ransomware protection
Moneyback guarantee
30 days
3
Surfshark
Starting Price:
55.62 CAD per year
Inclusions:
Unlimited VPN; emails, credit cards, and personal IDs automatic monitoring
Moneyback guarantee:
30 days
Pricing
Avast offers a range of plans and prices to suit different needs, such as Avast One, Avast Premium Security, Avast Home Office Solutions, Avast Small Business Cybersecurity Solutions, and the MSSPs and resellers’ Advanced Protection Plan.
Avast One
Avast One is an all-in-one service that features protection from malware and viruses, unlimited VPN, data breach monitoring and device cleanup tools. Pricing starts at $38.28 CAD for the first year for five devices and Avast One Premiumis $47.40 CAD for the first year for ten devices.
Avast Premium Security
Avast Premium Security is an antivirus protection package that offers advanced security measures against online threats. This enables users to avoid fake websites, shop safely and block web spies. The Avast Premium Security cost is $37.80 CAD for the first year for one device or $47.40 CAD for the first year for up to ten devices.
Avast Home Office Solutions
For these solutions, Avast adds 24/7 support from its technical team to assist you and your employees. The Small Office Protection costs $194.99 CAD per year for up to ten devices per year while the Essential Business Security costs $360.16 CAD per year for 10 devices.
Avast Small Business Cybersecurity Solutions
The small business solutions feature an online management platform where security and subscriptions can be managed all from one place. It also includes IT support, identity protection, USB protection, unlimited VPN and patch management.
Plans include (based on five devices):
- Essential: This costs $41.25 CAD per year for one per device
- Premium: This costs $52.40 CAD per year for one per device
- Ultimate: This costs $63.55 CAD per year for one device
The MSSPs and Resellers Advanced Protection Plan From Avast
Avast has a lot to offer whether you’re seeking comprehensive antivirus software for a reseller or a managed security service provider (MSSP). For this pricing, a custom quote is needed.
Features
Avast antivirus is a feature-rich antivirus that offers a wide range of security features.
First, Avast has a user-friendly interface that’s simple to navigate and easy to use. It is intuitive, so you don’t need any in-depth training or instruction manuals—you can install it, update it and uninstall it all on your own. You can also use Avast on multiple devices with ease. The antivirus software is compatible with Windows PCs, Macs, Android phones and tablets and iOS devices (iPhones).
The software comes with an anti-theft feature called Device Lock, which helps you locate your lost device and secure it from unauthorized access. It also has a password manager that can automatically generate strong passwords for each website you visit.
The Avast firewall monitors all incoming and outgoing data traffic to block any malicious activity. In addition, Avast offers sandbox technology that isolates unknown files in an isolated environment before they are allowed to run on your PC or mobile device.
Combat viruses right away with Avast.
On Avast’s Website
Other Benefits
Money-Back Guarantee and Refund Policy
Avast offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you are not satisfied with Avast antivirus, you can get your money back within 30 days of purchase.
Customer Support Score for Avast Support
Avast support is available 24/7, so you can always get help when you need it. Avast has a knowledge base to assist with common questions and there’s also an option to call its phone number or file a ticket through its ticketing system. There’s remote assistance available for those who want it (though this feature is only available for paid users).
Fine Print
One of the main disadvantages of Avast is that it can be a bit pricey. Another disadvantage is that Avast takes up a lot of system resources, which can slow down your computer if you have an older one with limited hardware capabilities. This can also cause problems if you are using Avast on more than one device, as this will put a strain on your system.
In 2020, Avast was accused of leaking data to advertisers. The company was found to be sending information about the websites its users visited, along with their location data, back to the company’s servers. This in turn allowed advertisers to identify users and target them with ads. This was a major concern because it was seen as an invasion of privacy for users who were not aware that they were being monitored by their antivirus provider.
How Avast Antivirus Stacks Up
Kaspersky, Avast, and Bitdefender share similar security features that protect users from malware, ransomware, phishing scams, and other online threats.
The trio features File Shredder, which deletes unwanted files on your computer beyond recovery, while the unique sandbox mode offered by Avast and Kaspersky ensures that files are run in a safe environment before being allowed on your PC.
Is Avast Antivirus Right for You or Your Business?
Avast antivirus is a great option for individuals and businesses with limited budgets. It’s a full-featured suite of security tools that’s easy to use and ideal for home users looking for basic antivirus protection.
In our best antivirus software review, Avast tops our list, especially as the best software for solopreneurs and remote workers. Avast Free Antivirus comes in handy but requires paid upgrades to get rid of ads and make other changes.
Canadian specific research (including pricing) conducted by Anna Rey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Avast antivirus free?
Avast has both free and premium options. We’ve selected it as one of the best free antivirus solutions of 2024.
How effective is Avast antivirus?
Running Avast through an AV test, we discovered that it outperformed several of its rivals, solidifying Avast’s dominance in the field of mobile security. In another test conducted by AV-Comparatives, Avast for Mac emerged as one of the most dependable antivirus programs showing the effectiveness of the program.
How much does Avast antivirus cost?
While Avast Free costs nothing, a premium upgrade starts at $37.80 CAD for the first year for one device or $47.40 CAD for the first year for 10 devices.
Which is better: Malwarebytes or Avast?
In terms of features and capabilities, Avast does better than Malwarebytes. It’s more user-friendly, intuitive and provides standard real-time threat protection.
Learn more: Malwarebytes Vs. Avast
How do I choose the best antivirus software?
To choose the best antivirus software, consider ease of use, price, features and compatibility. You also want to make sure that the company you’re purchasing from has good customer service in case you have any problems.
Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
