

Plus, both definition and program updates are performed automatically (a manual option is available, too), meaning you can install Avast and let it do its thing without worrying whether you're running the latest and greatest version.Īvast is customizable and lets you make changes to everything from whether to make a sound when threats are detected and how long notifications should remain on the screen, to the kinds of file extensions that should be scanned. The antivirus portion has lots of options you can change, but it's still easy enough for anyone to use since there are information blurbs next to most items so you're not left wondering what will happen if you enable them.

If you want a solid program that's sure to block new threats but is still easy enough to customize, you should consider using it.Īvast's free AV software works a bit like some of the others in this list supplemental modules enhance the virus shield and provide additional services related to security and privacy. While it lacks Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition's webcam protection, Avast's password manager and Kaspersky Security Cloud Free's on-screen keyboard, AVG AntiVirus Free includes a powerful file shredder.Password manager and some other tools included are trial only.Īvast is used by hundreds of millions of people and ranks high in nearly every "best list" of antivirus programs, and for good reason. (Bitdefender was not tested.) AVG AntiVirus Free: Security and privacy features Kaspersky got 100% in both total and protection accuracy in all three rounds. But because AVG had a few more false positives, both ended up with the same 98% total accuracy score. In January-March 2020, the corporate siblings' path diverged, with AVG getting 100% protection accuracy and Avast only 95%. While AVG's most recent results are better than previous ones, both AVG and Avast have only just caught up to Microsoft, with 98% total accuracy, and 94% or 95% protection accuracy, in both the July-September and the October-December 2019 quarterly rounds.

London-based SE Labs (opens in new tab)' scores are more nuanced and take account of how an antivirus program handles a piece of malware after detection.
